Climate Change Mitigation Through Agro-Forestry Improves Natural Resource and Livelihood Security

It is commonly known that human activity has a stronger impact on climate change than ever before. Deforestation and forest degradation lead to an increase in carbon emissions. However, this problem may be solved by using appropriate land and forest management. The improvement of forest C stocks by agroforestry is one method that significantly lowers atmospheric greenhouse gas emissions. In order to preserve natural resources, provide livelihood stability, advance the well-being of society and the economy, and sequester carbon, agroforestry is crucial, as this chapter critically investigates. Through the fusion of agricultural science and forestry studies, agroforestry is developing into a specialised area of study. Agroforestry is defined as an integrated agricultural system that includes woody trees, crops and herbaceous annual plants, and animals on a same land piece. The ability of agroforestry systems to sequester and store carbon, which may be fixed, absorbed, and stabilised in soils and plant structures (woody portions), is another benefit they provide. The establishment of databases for tracking tree and soil carbon stocks, however, necessitates the use of standardised procedures, which poses a substantial difficulty within this system. To improve their readiness in achieving national climate goals, regional countries must address additional obstacles like water scarcity, weak interactive governance, problems with farmer rights and land ownership, as well as insufficient financial support for small-scale farmers engaged in agroforestry. As a result, the supervision of agroforestry systems should place a high priority on maximising financial rewards for farmers while also attending to their needs for production (such as fuelwood, rich in nutrients fruits, food, and lumber) and protecting the environment (such as efficient nutrient cycling, watershed management, reducing soil erosion, and improving soil health and fertility).